SGA dinner celebrates progress on campus

Radford University students, faculty and administration gathered in the congenial atmosphere of the Covington Center to kick off the fall semester in style at the Student Government Association Formal Opening Dinner.

The SGA's primary duty is to advocate for the students of Radford and improve student life. The opening dinner capped off a retreat for members of the SGA where members assessed the challenges and rewards that advocacy might present in the coming months.

In attendance at the event were ardent SGA supporter and RU President Penelope W. Kyle and newly-appointed Board of Visitors member and alumna Callie Dalton '82.

Board of Visitors member Callie Dalton '82, SGA President Zachary McCoy and RU President Penelope Kyle smile for the camera at the SGA opening dinner.

“We are Radford University,” Kyle said. “And the best way to tell our story is for every faculty member, staff member and student to spread the word about how wonderful our school is.”

Kyle also used the occasion to update the SGA on Radford’s capital building projects, which are transforming the campus and affecting students directly. These projects include ongoing construction of the new Student Fitness and Wellness Center, due for completion in fall 2014; the continuing work on the new Center for the Sciences, due for completion in 2015; and the continuing renovation of campus’ residence halls, particularly Washington Hall which was completed for students to move-in this fall.

Kyle praised the SGA for its growth in efficacy as a student organization over the past few years and acknowledged a string of exemplary student leaders, including current SGA President Zachary McCoy. “You are all as much in love with Radford as I am. Thank you for taking SGA to where you have taken it and where you will take it.”

In remarks that echoed Kyle’s hopeful outlook on the future of Radford, McCoy pledged the continuing commitment of the SGA to improving life at Radford.

“We hope to do our best and leave our mark,” he said. “Whatever comes next at Radford is going to be new, it’s going to be different and we’re going to make awesome things happen."